Pound-force to Kilogram-force Converter
Convert pounds-force to kilograms-force with our free online force converter.
Quick Answer
1 Pound-force = 0.453592 kilograms-force
Formula: Pound-force × conversion factor = Kilogram-force
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
Our Accuracy Guarantee
All conversion formulas on UnitsConverter.io have been verified against NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines and international SI standards. Our calculations are accurate to 10 decimal places for standard conversions and use arbitrary precision arithmetic for astronomical units.
Pound-force to Kilogram-force Calculator
How to Use the Pound-force to Kilogram-force Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Pound-force).
- The converted value in Kilogram-force will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Force category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Pound-force to Kilogram-force: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Pound-force to Kilogram-force involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
kgf = lbf × 0.453592Example Calculation:
1 lbf = 0.453592 kgf
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
Need to convert to other force units?
View all Force conversions →What is a Pound-force and a Kilogram-force?
Pound-force (lbf) is the force exerted by one pound of mass under standard gravity (32.174 ft/s² or 9.80665 m/s²).
Conversions:
- 1 lbf = 4.448222 N
- 1 lbf = 0.453592 kgf
- 1000 lbf = 1 kip
- 1 lbf = 4.448 × 10⁵ dynes
Kilogram-force (kgf) is the force exerted by one kilogram of mass under standard gravity (9.80665 m/s²).
Formula: 1 kgf = 1 kg × 9.80665 m/s²
Conversions:
- 1 kgf = 9.80665 N (newtons)
- 1 kgf = 0.00980665 kN (kilonewtons)
- 1 kgf = 2.204623 lbf (pounds-force)
- 1 kgf = 1,000 gf (gram-force)
- 1 kgf = 980,665 dynes
- 1 kgf = 35.274 ozf (ounce-force)
Note: The Pound-force is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Kilogram-force belongs to the metric (SI) system.
History of the Pound-force and Kilogram-force
Kilogram-force emerged from the meter-kilogram-second gravitational system (MKS), which was used extensively in engineering before the adoption of SI units in the 1960s. In German-speaking countries and parts of Europe, it was called "kilopond" (kp), from the Latin word for weight. Despite the official adoption of the newton as the SI unit of force in 1960, kilogram-force remains prevalent in many engineering disciplines, particularly in automotive torque specifications, hydraulic systems, material testing, and construction equipment. Many Asian and European countries continue to use kgf in technical documentation and consumer products.
Common Uses and Applications: pounds-force vs kilograms-force
Explore the typical applications for both Pound-force (imperial/US) and Kilogram-force (metric) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for pounds-force
Automotive: Weight specifications, brake force, suspension loads, torque specs. Aerospace: Thrust ratings (jet engines rated in lbf), structural loads. Structural Engineering: Building loads, beam capacity (often in kips = 1000 lbf), foundation design. Mechanical: Bolt torque specs, spring rates, tool forces, clamp pressure. Hydraulics: Actuator force ratings, pump specifications.
When to Use kilograms-force
Automotive Engineering: Torque specifications (kgf·m), suspension loads, brake force.
Hydraulic Systems: Pressure ratings (kgf/cm² = 1 technical atmosphere).
Material Testing: Tensile strength, compression testing, hardness measurements.
Construction: Structural loads, lifting equipment capacity, crane ratings.
Consumer Products: Weight capacity labels, exercise equipment resistance.
Conversion Table: Pound-force to Kilogram-force
| Pound-force (lbf) | Kilogram-force (kgf) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.227 |
| 1 | 0.454 |
| 1.5 | 0.68 |
| 2 | 0.907 |
| 5 | 2.268 |
| 10 | 4.536 |
| 25 | 11.34 |
| 50 | 22.68 |
| 100 | 45.359 |
| 250 | 113.398 |
| 500 | 226.796 |
| 1,000 | 453.592 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Pound-force to Kilogram-force?
To convert Pound-force to Kilogram-force, enter the value in Pound-force in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our force converter page to convert between other units in this category.
Learn more →What is the conversion factor from Pound-force to Kilogram-force?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Pound-force and Kilogram-force. You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.
Can I convert Kilogram-force back to Pound-force?
Yes! You can easily convert Kilogram-force back to Pound-force by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Kilogram-force to Pound-force converter page. You can also explore other force conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Pound-force and Kilogram-force?
Pound-force and Kilogram-force are both standard units used in force measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our force converter for more conversion options.
For more force conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.
Helpful Conversion Guides
Learn more about unit conversion with our comprehensive guides:
📚 How to Convert Units
Step-by-step guide to unit conversion with practical examples.
🔢 Conversion Formulas
Essential formulas for force and other conversions.
⚖️ Metric vs Imperial
Understand the differences between measurement systems.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Learn about frequent errors and how to avoid them.
All Force Conversions
Other Force Units and Conversions
Explore other force units and their conversion options:
- Newton (N) • Pound-force to Newton
- Millinewton (mN) • Pound-force to Millinewton
- Kilonewton (kN) • Pound-force to Kilonewton
- Meganewton (MN) • Pound-force to Meganewton
- Dyne (dyn) • Pound-force to Dyne
- Gram-force (gf) • Pound-force to Gram-force
- Metric Ton-force (tf) • Pound-force to Metric Ton-force
- US Ton-force (tonf) • Pound-force to US Ton-force
- UK Ton-force (LTf) • Pound-force to UK Ton-force
- Poundal (pdl) • Pound-force to Poundal
Verified Against Authority Standards
All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.
National Institute of Standards and Technology — Fundamental physical constants and unit conversions
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures — International System of Units (SI) definitions and standards
International Organization for Standardization — Quantities and units international standards series
Last verified: February 19, 2026